The analogy I've always used for how time and space integrate for the concept of ma'ai is making a left turn off of a busy, multilane street: as the experienced driver approaches the intersection, she automatically gauges the relative distance and forward speed of all the oncoming vehicles. She decides whether to accelerate and turn, slow down and continue to assess, or stop and wait. This process is continually and automatically adjusted moment-to-moment until the turn is completed.